Do-It-yourself Decorating Tips
by Connie Williamson
Overwhelmed
with the latest in decorating trends?
The world of home decorating is ever changing which makes it difficult to keep up with the latest trends in colour, furniture, and decorating styles. Even the terms can be confusing, just what does "eclectic" or "shabby chic" mean anyway? Is there a decorating dictionary out there somewhere?
You may have started your design research by investing in magazines and noticed that what's HOT for colour and design in one magazine may not be what's HOT in another. Maybe you jumped on the bandwagon with one of the forecasted colors just to learn that the colour really didn't make the cut.
If you're past the magazine stage and you've actually ventured out to get advice from the local paint or decor store you may find yourself paying for items that won't fit your space or your lifestyle. What¿s popular and selling well may not be what's right for you.
It's no wonder you may be feeling more confused than inspired, but don¿t despair, and don't start buying paint or fabric until you take a breath and do some research closer to home.
Finding your decorating style using what you already own.
Decorating is all about expressing your personality and surrounding yourself with your favorite things. You hold the key to all your decorating answers. Start with your existing collection and build on it .
Get yourself a notebook to be used for all your decorating ideas and projects. Decide which room to redecorate first, go in, and take a good look around. Make sure you have your notebook and pen with you because you are going to start your design journal by noting everything that comes to mind. This will include room measurements, things to do before you decorate and ideas that come to you as you work through your project.
In your journal divide a page into three sections, name one section "Love It", another "Can Live With It", and the last section "What was I thinking?"
Take a good look at your furniture, art, and accessories. Which items belong in each category? Once you've made those decisions, the hard part is over!
When everything is in its proper category, start with the section named "What was I thinking?" Collect everything and box it up and send it out to the curb right now or arrange to donate it to a thrift shop or charity. Get it out of your house right away. Removing the clutter is just that easy.
In the "Love It" section, quickly jot down in your decorating journal why you love each piece. As you examine each item make a note of the style, colour and any theme it may represent.
Use this same technique for the "Can Live With It" section. After you've made notes on everything, sit down have a coffee or tea and look for repetition in the notes you created on each item. This will help you determine your personal decorating style.
Decorating Style :
As you go over your notes are you noticing a style emerging?
- Casual: Relaxed, informal, comfortable. Overstuffed upholstery; textured fabric covers; earthy, neutral colours; natural materials
- Contemporary: Sleek, streamlines, simple, bold colours, metal and glass, leather, minimal pattern
- Country: Distressed/painted woods, plump sofas with raffled skirts, floral prints, gingham and plaids
- Traditional: Formal, symmetrical, damask and chintz, dark polished woods
- Eclectic: Mixing of two or more styles together.
Tips to select wall colour.
Take another look at your existing art and accessories; is there one colour that predominates? Is your eye drawn more to one colour than another?
If you are not finding an obvious answer to which colour is most suitable, consider the natural world. Spring is an amazing time of the year to observe vibrant colours.
Take a walk through a park, garden or green house and experience the spring explosion of colour in the flowers, leaves and grass. Pay particular attention to the colours around you. Which colours draw your eye? Keep in tune to what you are drawn to and make a note of how each colour affects you.
By using furnishings and accessories you already own and love, you'll save time and money and have a great start to making your room one that reflects your own style and personality.
Now you're ready to choose your colours and start your project.
About The Author
For more information on home staging please visit Serenity Redesign at http://www.serenityredesign.com, or contact Serenity's home staging expert, Connie Williamson at (780) 417-9521 or connie@serenityredesign.com.
